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Standing Up for Families in Need

On Thursday, Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, introduced the Helping Families in Need Act, furthering our Government’s support for hardworking Canadian families.

Prior to this Act, Canadians who fell ill while receiving Employment Insurance (EI) parental benefits were unable to qualify for EI sickness benefits. However, thanks to the Helping Families in Need Act these parents will be eligible for the sickness benefits they need in order to get back on their feet.

This Bill also contains previously announced amendments to the Employment InsuranceAct and the Canada Labour Code aimed at helping hardworking Canadian families during difficult times. This includes increased EI benefits for parents of critically ill children and income support for the parents of murdered or missing children.

Our Government is committed to helping hardworking Canadian families. Through the Helping Families in Need Act we will be able to offer Canadian families a new level of support when they need it most.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our Conservative Government are staying focused on the issues that matter most to Canadians and their families.